Bears to waive 2012 third-round pick Brandon Hardin

When the Bears make their official announcement that trims their roster down to 53 players, safety Brandon Hardin’s name will be included. Hardin, a third-round pick in 2012, wasn’t able to surpass Craig Steltz and Anthony Walters on the depth chart. Hardin started and played most of the exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns on

When the Bears make their official announcement that trims their roster down to 53 players, safety Brandon Hardin’s name will be included.

Hardin, a third-round pick in 2012, wasn’t able to surpass Craig Steltz and Anthony Walters on the depth chart. Hardin started and played most of the exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

The Bears had high hopes for Hardin. They liked his versatility and overall athleticism. But injuries derailed his development.

According to an ESPN report, Hardin will technically be waived/injured, which means if he’s not claimed he can be put on injured reserve. Hardin, the ESPN report says, has a fractured scapula. Hardin did leave the game late against the Browns with an apparent injury.

Hardin looked like a player who hadn’t played in two years in camp and during the preseason. He missed his entire senior season at Oregon State with a shoulder injury and was put on injured reserve by the Bears last year after injuring his neck. The Bears, though, can sign Hardin to their practice squad.

“I wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities I had for playing time,” Hardin said after the Browns beat the Bears 18-16. “It’s the kind of player you are. We’ve all as football players been under pressure. And when you’re under pressure your best has to come out. Some guys live up to the reputation, some guys fall off.”

Hardin also took to Twitter on Friday.

“It’s not a journey without a few speed bumps & detours,” Hardin said on Twitter. “Thanks for the support #bears fans. Trying to stay positive!”